Late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi after regaining power visited Dwarka, by helicopter and saw some remarks in the Arabian sea (Ratnakar sagar) although they were of jagatpoint cape, big light house on western coast at Dwarka, which she considered a sunken ancient Dwarka and sanctioned adhoc budget to explore under sea bed at Dwarka & Bet up to Prabhas (somnath). National oceanographic institute at Dona-paula, Goa since 1981 started exploring & observing under water. Cultural heritage of India through marine Archeological unit M.A.U. which explores every year in January different places under water-ancient structures under sea as old as 2000 B.C. The thermoluminscence dating of pottery from Bet-Dwarka connected with Lord Krishna EPIC of HARIVANSH (HV) BHAGVAT (BG) & MAHABHARAT (MH).

Late Indus type seal of conch shell (20 x 18 mm) engraved with composite figure of bull, unicorn goat (3 headed) 1500 B.C. was found in offshore excavation at Bet Dwarka. Such seal corroborates reference made in Harivansha to the regulation that every citizen of Dwarka should carry this seal as mark of identification for measures to defend after Salvais attack. Dwarka such was found from Mahenjo daro & late Indus civilization. Such seals with motief of dragon with exaggerated eyes were found at Bahrain, suggesting trade connections with Dwarka. also votive pottery vassal inscribing post Harrappan script pictorial script-worshipping. Sea bad was also sound in Bet Dwarka shore inscribed under meanding sea Lord protect 'It is old Indo Iranian language. This specifically indicates that Lord Krishna was not a myth but reality.

Main Dwarka has Trilokya Sunder Jagatmandir, formally sabhanmandap with five stories that were constructed. Temple was built on (Chhatri''s) 7 domes built by grate grate grand son Vijranha of Lord Krishna. This temple is built without the use of lime & cement. Bet Dwarka was Durjay Vari Durga Island known as Shankhoddhar formally after Yadavshthali destructed Bet, Yadav families only Aboriginal Adivasi & fishermen's families were staying, however maintaining few brahmins doing Lord Krishna's worship on small temple, around 13th century. The king of kachahha (Krishna's devotee) invaded. For taking away Lord's idols, two Guagli Brahmins Hindu Hiravi & Madhu Pujari gave their life (in 1270 A). In their memory two samadhi palia are set on the steps of temple. Shri Vallabhacharyaji when visited Dwarka in 1497 A.D. There was no idol in amin temple because of Muslim invasion. Original idol was protected in Savitri (vav). Instead small Murthy with sindur was worshiped. The same was later on taken by devotee Parvat Mehta to mayagor. By then Akbar's mother, (Aji Koka with help of Adivasi Kabtribe in absence of Adivasi to put Dwarka to fire. While defending, Aboti Brahmins, Mahajan Bhohanas), Gugalis requested Shiva sanga to protect main idol which was than transported to bet Gaushala.

Meanwhile as Vallabhacharya got a dream that idol sculptured by Rukshmani (while in exile because of Durvasha's curse) was being buried under the hillock about 2 km. north to Dwarka now known as Ladava village, was in Dwarka temple temporarily, RAj Jam Ravel did Pran-Pratishtha of that local beautiful idol in Bet temple in 1560 AD. As original idol was found by Aadi Shankaraharya it was traced by local Brahmins & reestablished in main temple at main Dwarka also by JAM RAW from KUTCH then brought idols of Madhavji, Purshotamji, Devkiji & Gardudaji from Pindarak (about 35 kms east of Dwarka) to Bet Dwarka, along with the idol of Trivikaram from Madhavpur & the idol of Laxmiji from Rukshmani's Mandir at Dwarka. All were put in Bet Dwarka's temple complex with the help of JAM RAWAL who had a big festival then.

This sacred deed helped JAM RAVAL to establish Jamnagar - then known as Nagda or river Nagmati 140 kmts to Dwarka - now a district headquarter and earlier known as CHHOTAKASHI where in JAM RAVAL & his dynast invited various PANDITS from Gujarat to inspire religiousness in the people.

Bet Dwarka now is abode of 20 Vishnu temples, 23 shiv temples, including well known Dhingeshvara, Nilkantheshwar, Abhaya, Dhara shakti peeths along with other 14 Devi temples. Nine Hanuman temples including well known Hanuman Dandi & 84 Choryashi Dhuni Inscription at very ancient temple of Shakhnarayan Dasavtar temple suggested that during Samvat 1774 (1718 AD) Maharao Pragji did repairs to all these temples. Again repair was done by Queen Jhale Chhot Rani in samvat 1852 (1796 AD), as their sons for ma tool Bet idol to Mandavi in samvat 1320 (1270 AD).

Bet has glorious history as Meera again appeared in Bet. Nana Saheb Peshava (last leader of 1857 independence) passed the last years of his life in Bet Dwarka. Puja in Bet Dwarka is up till now done as directed by Goswami Vithalnathaji during his visit in 1567 AD. Bet Dwarka was adobe of several Sufis, Haji Ali, Haji Karmani, Gevalsda, Joda & other, since early 2nd century when sufis had not yet joined Muslims. Bet Dwarka was very safe place for yadavs being protected by the sea. However invaded by the British people in the end of nineteenth century.

Shakti temple at Samiyani Mat is an island about 1 km north to Okha port, also considered to be protecting Goddess of this area. It also has light house inaugurated in 2000 AD. Hanuman Dandi is in Bet Dwarka 5 km north to main mandir complex. One Hanuman goes up 1 mm a year & another Hanuman image goes down 1 mm naturally, where Prem Bhikshu Maharaj of Bihar a professor turned to sanyasi in 1967 AD. established Akhand (continuous) Ramdhun.

In Dwarka where over a couple of crores of Ram Jap writing were stored & temple is built near Dwarkadhish temple (about 100 meter west). Hanuman Dandi is a place with peaceful surroundings (sea) on either side & 84 siddha as Dhuni hereby arrangements to stay over night is there.

Gurudwara in Dwarka was established around 1960 AD. in the memory of one of the Pyara of Guru Govind Singhji who lived at in Bet Dwarka. Now a big Gurudwara is being established in Bet in memory of Manekchand (dobhi). A yatra from Dwarka but to Amritsar Main Gurudwar was established in end of last century but is now over crowded with Sardarji's for Karseva. Gurudwar houses many pilgrims.

How to Reach Dwarka?

By Air : The nearest Airport at Jamnagar is about 45 kms Indian Airlines & other private airlines fly to and from the city, connecting it to most important cities of India.

By Rail: Dwarka is on the Western Railway network and is well-linked with the rest of the country. Express train provides convenient daily connections to Dwarka from Ahmedabad.

By Road: Dwarka has a good road network with good network of National and State Highways. The State Transport Corporation connects it to all the major cities and towns of Gujarat and other states of the country.

Shopping in Dwarka

Just about anything available in the cities can be found in Ooty with the added attraction of leisurely shopping. Exclusive Nilgiri products including Nilgiri tea, fruits, natural oils like Eucalyptas, Toda embroideries and tropical plants are easily available in the town. The co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market are the best places if seeking local fruit and general groceries. If looking for Indian handicraft and other material items then you need look no further than Kairali of Kerala Handicrafts and Poompuhar of Tamil Nadu Handicrafts which have their showrooms near the Super Market Buildings on Charring Cross

Monuments of Dwarka

Lighthouse,Besides its several temples, Dwarka is also famous for the Forts and Monuments in Dwarka. The splendid architectural designs of these structures is a real visual treat. A notable name in the register of Forts and Monuments in Dwarka is Lighthouse in Dwarka.

A port was established in the early 19th century at Rupen creek. A flag mast was posted at the port to lift a lamp. This flag mast served the function of a lighthouse. In the year 1866, a square tower of stone, 18m in height, was built at the present site. An oil wick lamp was subsequently installed on the tower.

On 29th November 1877, the then Governor of Bombay Sir Richard Temple visited Dwarka by sea route. He came to the Dwarka Lighthouse and found the light to be grossly insufficient. As a result, a PV equipment with 4th order revolving optic, sourced from M/s. Chance Bros., England, substituted the wick lamp in the year of 1881. Minor modifications were also done to this Lighthouse in Dwarka in 1900.

In February 1927, LH specialist, D. Alen Stevenson, visited the Lighthouse in Dwarka and appreciated its maintenance. During 1960-62, a new square masonry Tower, 43m in height was erected and electrical equipments sourced from Birmingham’s M/s. Stone Chance was installed over it. At that time, even a latest storm warning signal mast was installed at the station. Mr. Raj Bahadur, who was the Minister for Transport, Government of India at that time, inaugurated the new lighthouse on 15th July, 1962. An RCC Baffle wall was constructed for the installation of sound horns equipments and vibrators supplied by M/s BBT of Paris to work as fog signals. 15th April, 1964 was the date when it was commissioned. This fog signal service was stopped in 1988.

Lighthouse, Dwarka, Gujarat, India got a Racon of Marconi origin on 11th May 1978. The substitution of incandescent lamp by MH lamp as well as the direct drive by a stepper motor was done on 5th April 1996. Thus, Lighthouse in Dwarka boasts of a chequered history.

Lighthouse in Dwarka is quite popular as a tourist destination. It remains open to public between the period of 16:30 and 18:00 hours. This lighthouse presents an excellent panoramic sight of the setting sun which ushers the nightfall.

Dwarka Nath Temple, Dwarka serves as the entrance to the western parts of India. It owes its name to the word 'dwar' which refers to door. Amongst the Holy Places in Dwarka, a name to reckon with is that of Dwarkanath Temple, Dwarka. Dwarkanath Temple, Dwarka, India is the main temple of this place that is dedicated to Lord Krishna

The interesting history of the Dwarkanath Temple in Dwarka states that the five storey tower of Dwarkanath Temple was built by Sambha, the grandson of Lord Shri Krishna.

Dwarkanath Temple, Dwarka, India is made of limestone and sand. The exterior of this magnificent temple is supported by 60 columns. A soaring, richly carved spire could also be seen in the exterior part of this temple. A flag is hoisted at the temple tower everyday which welcomes the pilgrims by fluttering in the air beautifully.

The structure of Dwarkanath Temple in Dwarka is quite complicated. This temple has two gateways namely Swarga Dwar and Moksha Dwar. Through the former, pilgrims enter while the later serves as the exit door for the pilgrims.

From this temple, you can get a beautiful view of the Sangamam of Gomati River flowing towards the sea. The shrines for Vasudeva, Balarama and Revathy, Devaki, Subhadra, Jambavathi Devi, Rukmini Devi and Sathybhama Devi are also worth a watch. The structure of Dwarkanath Temple in Dwarka is so strong that even the earthquake of 2001 could not destroy it.

On Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, Dwarkanath Temple in Dwarka is adorned beautifully. Thousands of devotees from all over the world throng this temple to offer their prayers and be a part of the elaborate celebrations. Adi Shankara, the famous reformer saint, established the Sharda Peeth at this place which is regarded as one of the four seats in India propagating Hinduism.

Nageshwar Mandir,Dwarka offers an entryway to India’s western parts. This place has got its name from the word 'dwar' which denotes door. Amongst the Holy Places in Dwarka, an admired place that draws tourists in huge numbers is the Nageshwar Mandir, Dwarka. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and remains abuzz with tourists and pilgrims round the year.

Nageshwar Mandir, Dwarka, India has quite a few interesting legends attached to it. According to Shiv Purana, Supriya, an ardent Shiva devotee, was once attacked by a demon Daaruka while he was in a boat. The demon put him in prison along with several others at Daarukaavana, his capital, where he stayed with his wife Daaruki. Supriya told all prisoners to narrate the mantra ‘Aum Namaha Shivaya’. When Daaruka learnt about this, he ran to kill Supriya. However, at that instant, Lord Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlingam and vanquished Daaruki with the Paasupata Astram.

At Nageshwar Mandir in Dwarka, the Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam faces south while the Gomugam faces east. There is a popular story for this position. One day, Naamdev, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, was singing bhajans facing the Lord. Other devotees told him to stand aside and not block the front view of the Lord. To this, Naamdev asked these people to propose one direction in which the Lord is not present, so that he can stand there. The angry devotees carried him out of the temple and left him on the south side. To their surprise, they found that the Sivalingam was now facing the south direction with the Gomugam facing east.

Nageshwar Mandir, Dwarka, India is about an hour’s drive from the city of Dwarka. It houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in an underground compartment. It has a giant statue of Lord Shiva and a new temple. The complete temple complex was sponsored by late Gulshan Kumar, the T series music baron. At Nageshwar Mandir in Dwarka, you can get the chance of a close darshan of the Shivling. However, you need to wear a Dhoti, which the temple would offer you if requested.

Shivaratri is celebrated with great fervor at this temple. Many devotees come from far away places on that day to experience the festive air and seek divine blessings.

Rukmini Temple, Dwarka serves as the doorway to India’s western parts. The word 'dwar' which means door, has given this place its name. Amongst the Holy Places in Dwarka, a popular name is that of Rukmini Temple, Dwarka. This small temple, positioned 1.5 kms to the north of the city, is an architectural masterwork. Rukmini Temple in Dwarka is devoted to Rukmini, the most important amongst Krishna's 16,108 wives.

Rukmini Temple, Dwarka, India dates back to the 12th century. There is a story behind this temple. One day, Durvasa Muni, who was easily angered, was invited to dinner by Krishna and his wife, Rukmini. Etiquette dictates that when a person is invited to dinner, the host should refrain from eating until the guest has been satisfied. However, while Durvasa was eating, Rukmini became thirsty. She asked Krishna to help her. Krishna, to bail out his wife, put his foot in the ground. As a result, the Ganges waters streamed forth from the ground while Durvasa was not looking. As luck would have it, while Rukmini was drinking the water, Durvasa turned that way and saw her drinking without seeking his permission. This made him angry. He cursed her to live apart from Lord Krishna. That is the reason why Krishna's temple is in the city and hers is positioned outside the city.

Rukmini Temple, Dwarka, India draws many from far and wide. People who come here are spellbound by the sheer magic of this architectural masterpiece. The walls of Rukmini Temple in Dwarka are decorated with attractive paintings. These paintings depict her pastimes with Krishna. This temple has beautiful carvings, particularly on the pillars of the 'Sabha Mandapa'.

Sabha Mandapa,Besides its beautiful temples, Dwarka is also celebrated for the Forts and Monuments in Dwarka. The impressive architectural designs showcased by these structures is a genuine visual treat. A prominent name in the register of Forts and Monuments in Dwarka is Sabha Mandapa in Dwarka.

Sabha Mandapa, Dwarka, Gujarat, India is a part of the famous Dwarkadhish temple. This Dwarka Sabha Mandapa dates back to the 12th century.

A highlight of Dwarkadish temple is its multi-pillared Sabha Mandapa. This beautiful Sabha Mandapa would lead you to a 60 pillared sanctum which has some scriptures that are about 2500 years old. Devotees generally enter the Sabha Mandapa after paying their respect to the deity of Mother Devaki which is erected just opposite the Dwarkadish temple.

The middle part of the stunning Sabha Mandapa houses a small temple of Balramji, which is positioned at a lower level. This temple also houses the idol of Shri Mahaprabhuji. The people behind the construction of the Dwarkadish temple have shown their knowledge and proficiency by placing the deity of elder brother Balramji in the Sabha Mandapa and deity of Mother Devaki facing the Lord Dwarkadhish temple.

The sanctum of Sabha Mandapa in Dwarka and the Dwarkadhish temple itself is so outstanding that one would not think of moving ahead. At this place, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings through jharokhas of the temple.